Chapter 820 - Chapter 7: Countermeasures in Sertogne
During the time until the Priestess learned Memorize, Servetus and the Henry Party discussed something. Not only the regulars Wilson-san, Will, and Bonnie, but for some reason, I was also made to be present.
The content was about how to use Servetus's subordinates, who are being made to work on the farm as prisoners in Sertoria. After all, they can't be shown in public. Even Price-sama seems to be accepting of it now, but he was quite angry when he first heard of it.
I think there's only one place for them to go. Primordia. Once the Wetlands Priestess becomes a successor of Memorize, she will be the successor. She can just take over the subordinates as they are and take them to the wetlands. It's land originally managed by ghosts. It shouldn't be a problem if a few Revenants are mixed in. However, it would be painful to lose workers from the agricultural testing station in the Royal Capital area. So, for Charm users, it was decided that the Priestess would choose several from among the knight order members and have them learn it via Memorize. That way, Primordia can secure the necessary personnel. The Revenants will be a general reserve to be active in times of emergency. That was the conclusion.
When that happens, naturally it's the Henry Party that jumps to Primordia. After returning to the Ghost Mansion and having Fiona learn Charm—it seems to be called Allure in spirit arts—and Mold—it seems to be Recovery in spirit arts. For a ghost, it's exactly that—for some reason, I was also taken to Primordia.
Initially, the story was about the Priestess learning Charm. She ended up coming back having learned Memorize. And she became able to teach Charm to the high-class and above mages of the Wetlands Knight Order. Servetus had told her to limit Charm to males only. That way, they can manipulate rats and there's no danger. Fortunately, the knight order members are all male. It's perfect.
"How wonderful. Priestess, I leave the protection of Primordia to you."
"Leave it to me. The knight order originally exists to protect this land from foreign enemies. Whether the opponent is Black Rot Disease or whatever, bring it on."
"How reassuring."
The King of Primordia and Cadogan-sama were overjoyed. With this, it becomes possible to process ships from the mainland in Primordia.
"With this, I can speak to the Grand Archbishop as well."
It was when Cadogan-sama said that.
"Actually, the Priestess's training this time has reached the Grand Archbishop's ears through Price."
"Is that so? That was quite fast."
Not only was it communicated to Price-sama, but he himself participated in the banquet celebrating the end of the Priestess's training.
"I have not mentioned anything we discussed here. However, since it involves handling dark magic, I had no choice but to convey it."
"I see. Then the conversation will be quick. Shall we make the proposal from our church include the partial lifting of the ban on dark magic?"
"Under the current circumstances, the ones we can request to be unbanned are Attract, which gathers insects, and Charm for manipulating rats—furthermore, since there's a possibility of misuse if women manipulate them, it should be limited to males. How about along those lines?"
Eleanor-sama explained about Charm exactly as Servetus had said. It seems Fiona's matter is a secret.
"I understand. Then let's do it that way."
"Please, I look forward to working with you."
I pretended not to notice the Wetlands Priestess grinning at me.
And this story isn't just about implementing measures against imported items in Primordia. Measures during export are also important. It might be good to talk to the countries on the opposite shore. The major production area for wool is Roland, but first, it's Sertogne.
And so, two days later, I ended up meeting Yorg-sama, who had come after receiving a message from the King of Primordia.
"Ghosts are going to do rat extermination?"
Yorg-sama was taken aback. Well, normally that would be the case. As for the Jeanne of Sertogne, she looked at me pointedly. I had no choice but to give a light nod. The two are acquainted with the Wetlands Priestess. They went to the Inner Sea together. So the conversation was simple.
"Ghosts will use Charm. This is because Charm can manipulate small animals like rats, rabbits, and squirrels."
"I see. However, if I recall, wasn't Charm dark magic and considered Forbidden Magic?"
Yorg-sama knew that well. Would it be rude to say I was surprised?
"Yes. However, in your country's laws, there is no concept of Forbidden Magic. It's the same as our country or Engrio. Moreover, in Sertogne, you cannot use high-class magic, which is Forbidden Magic, so there's no point in regulating it. To learn it, one needs to cross over to the White Island, but even if they do, Forbidden Magic isn't taught through oracles, so they can't learn it."
"Yes. I have heard as much."
"However, there is an exception. Ghosts."
"Yes. I am aware of that."
"Every country's laws regulate magic, and they shouldn't target the spirit arts used by ghosts."
"The law is so, but what about the church?"
"The church positions ghosts as beings that originally shouldn't exist. As long as they don't harm humans, they don't forcibly lay them to rest, and they don't place restrictions on their actions."
"That is certainly true."
"Besides, Forbidden Magic was established as a result of the conflict between the northern and southern churches a thousand years ago. These are spirit arts used by ghosts of those who lived before that. There should be no problem."
"Spirit arts used by ghosts of those who lived before that" is a subtle phrasing. It would be hard to notice that she learned Charm recently.
"However, if it's done too openly, public opinion will be noisy, so I think it's better to do it secretly."
In the end, that's the real intention.
"I see, I understand. Then, I don't know if it's the same as what they're doing in Finis or Northern Gram, but I found a ghost who can drive rats out of ships. Shall we explain it that way in our country?"
In response to Yorg-sama, who spoke with a calm smile, Eleanor-sama only bowed her head.
In the time until Yorg-sama arrived, the Wetlands Priestess had had two magic soldiers of the Wetlands Knight Order learn Charm. They aren't particularly good at dark magic. The magic they could use was high-class attribute magic. According to the Priestess, they have a high affinity with dark magic because they've been ghosts for a long time. Furthermore, the knight order remains in this world with the desire to protect Primordia. She said that motivation might also have something to do with it. Come to think of it, Fiona also learned Charm and Mold quite easily. Charm is for Black Rot countermeasures, and Mold can be used for recovering her companions. When I asked Fiona what she wanted to learn, she wished for those two without hesitation.
"If you don't encounter a good ghost in Sertogne, I'm also thinking of lending out one of the ghosts under my command."
"I cannot decide on my own authority. Shall I ask His Majesty? If possible, it would be effective if we could show you actually manipulating and exterminating rats."
"That's good. That. It's okay with you too, Jeanne?"
"Eh? Yeah. If Yorg-sama says it's okay, then it's fine, isn't it?"
"Alright! Then let's all go!"
It turned out that way, and as expected, I also ended up going to the Sertogne Royal Capital.
It was decided that only the priests would go to the Sertogne Royal Capital. The reason was that the Henry Party declined. I thought that was a rare thing, but the point was Beowulf. Since Beowulf's marriage is near, if Sertorian royalty went now, there's no telling what suspicions might be raised. The original discussion might be neglected, so they stopped going. Since this was after consultation with the King of Primordia and Sianya, it must be a delicate matter.
Due to those circumstances, the participants were Cadogan-sama, myself, and the Wetlands Priestess who had merged with me, and except for Yorg-sama and his wife who were guides, it became a group of people who had nothing to do with politics.
The Royal Capital of the Kingdom of Sertogne is reportedly located a short distance up a river that flows into a large bay sandwiched between the peninsular nation of Germania and Sertogne. It's further into the bay than Yorg-sama's managed land.
When entering the river from the mouth, both banks are like cliffs, so you can't see beyond the riverbanks. It's as if we're passing through a large waterway.
Proceeding against the river's current, something like an old fortress came into view on the right. It's quite old. The walls are crumbling, ivy is tangled, and those gouges are probably marks from being hit by stones from catapults, aren't they?
"What is that building?"
The Wetlands Priestess showed interest in the fortress ruins.
"That? That is the ruins of a place of worship built by a priest who is said to be one of the leaders who founded this country."
For a place of worship, it feels quite imposing. Although it's crumbling, it's surrounded by breastworks built along the river, and there are watchtowers at the corners. I can only think that they're using the river instead of a moat. The building in the back also feels square, like a fortress's main tower rather than a church. Of course, there might have been a church-style bell tower on top of that crumbling wall.
"At the time, it seems conflicts with the surrounding areas, including the opposite shore, were constant. I hear the place of worship was expanded before they knew it and also served as a shelter and fortress."
How dangerous. At least don't lay a hand on people who have fled to a place of worship or church.
"Hmm. It has a nice feel."
A nice feel? That? It looks like a battlefield ruin rather than a place of worship.
"Ghosts will appear, right?"
Ah, in that sense, probably so.
"Rumor has it they do. I've never gone out at night, so I don't know."
"Let's go tonight."
"Eh? It's dangerous. It might collapse. You might lose your footing and get injured."
"There are ghosts, right? Let's go."
"N-no. I'll pass."
His voice is half-cracked. Isn't he scared?
When rows of houses began to line both sides of the river, an island in the middle of the river came into view. Again, a facility surrounded by high walls can be seen. Ships reportedly moor there.
"There's a mooring facility for ships from abroad on that island. The water tank where magic water is jumped to is also installed in the isolation facility inside that wall."
It's the same as the Duchy of Naonent. The island is quite wide, so many ships can moor at the same time. Crew members can also bathe there, so it's perfect for preventing the spread. The crew members themselves don't want to die of an epidemic. Since they think it's better to be able to bathe, they reportedly moor properly without landing midway. Of course, security against illegal entry would also be perfect.
When we moored at the wharf, a young male priest first boarded. The reason he wasn't wearing protective clothing was probably because it was Yorg-sama's ship. The one responding was the captain, Yorg-sama. They seemed to be acquaintances and were exchanging greetings with smiles on both sides.
"Are you from Primordia?"
"Yes. The cargo is as usual, mostly medicinal herbs, and the rest is dried meat and dried fish."
"Then it's safe. There's no need for bathing, but just in case, I will check the health of the crew."
"Yes, that's fine. Oh, there are two guests on board."
"Guests? Are they from Primordia?"
"One is Archbishop Cadogan-sama of Primordia."
"W-what!"
"And the other is Bishop Jeanne of Sertoria."
"B-Bishop Jeanne? Could it be, the one of the magic water..."
"That's right. It's Bishop Jeanne of the magic water."
"!"
His mouth is moving. It seems like it's going to be a commotion from the start.
"Please wait," the priest said and ran off toward the building. After he said something or other while leaving the building's door open, an elderly priest came out from inside. I recognize him. I met him at the Great Unity Conference.
"This is, this is, Archbishop Cadogan-sama and Bishop Jeanne. Welcome indeed."
"Forgive the sudden visit. Is the Royal Capital Archbishop-sama well?"
"Yes, thanks to you."
"Thank you for your help at the Great Unity Conference."
"No, Bishop Jeanne. It is we who should thank you for the useful information from Sertoria. Truly, thank you."
While they were greeting, Yorg-sama was gathering all the crew members. Since the young priest was nearby, he would probably check their health.
"By the way, what brings you here today?"
"Well, there's something I'd like you to see."
"Something you'd like me to see?"
"Actually..."
Cadogan-sama said he had found a ghost who uses a technique to exterminate rats and had brought her along.
"Could it be, the one from the wetlands?"
"That's right. You're quick to catch on."
"Is it the method they're using in Finis and Northern Gram?"
"I wonder. I feel it's a bit different, but in any case, it seems she can do it. How about it? Shall we try it on this ship now?"
"Y-yes, by all means!"
The talk was settled easily, and it was the Wetlands Priestess's turn.
We called Yorg-sama and his wife and made arrangements. Yorg-sama instructed the crew to open a barrel of Insect-Attracting Water made in Primordia and pour it into a large, shallow wooden box made for the purpose.
"Yorg-sama, could this be the one used in the experiment..."
"Yes, it's Insect-Attracting Water."
Next, the Priestess slipped out of my body.
"It's been a long time, Bishop-sama."
"Oh, as I thought, it was the Wetlands Priestess. Thank you for coming all this way."
The two seemed to be acquaintances. They probably toured the wetlands before.
"No, no, it's my duty. Then, I'll get started right away."
Saying so, she vanished.
"Where did she go?"
"She likely went to exterminate the rats. Actually, I haven't seen with my own eyes what she's doing either."
"I-I see."
It's not a lie. This is Anri-sama's plan. When explaining to others, saying you haven't seen it saves you from trouble in explaining. That's why the King of Primordia and Sianya haven't seen it. Yorg-sama and his wife too. Of course, they know she uses Charm. But there's no need to dare say that.
Before long, the cabin door opened. At the same time, rats came out in a row. About a dozen or so?
"They really came out."
While the Bishop-sama was surprised, the rats lined up on their own in front of the wooden box. Then, black dots hopped from the rats toward the wooden box.
"Ah! It's the same as what I saw in the experiment."
After watching that scene for a while, the rats jumped into the river of their own accord. They dove deep just like that and didn't surface.
By that time, even the crew members who were seeing rat extermination using Charm for the first time gathered at the gunwale and were letting out voices of surprise while watching the rats drown.
"Ah, they've surfaced!"
When I went to look with Cadogan-sama and the priest toward where they were pointing and making a stir, the rat carcasses were floating and being washed downstream.